Monday, December 31, 2012

Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz (D-Bronx) has urged Speaker
Sheldon Silver to support moving primary day throughout New York State from
September to June beginning with the 2013 elections. In a letter sent to
the Speaker, Dinowitz outlined several reasons why changing the date of the
primary election would be beneficial to the State--particularly financial and
logistical concerns.

He pointed to this past year’s elections where local
municipalities had to endure extra expenses with the separation of the
Congressional primaries and the primaries for the State legislature.

“Moving the primary to June is a much more
cost-effective and sensible alternative to the September primary,” stated
Mr. Dinowitz.

Having a September primary would also make it burdensome for
New York City to hold a runoff, if needed, two weeks later. There have
been ongoing concerns regarding the new voting machines and it is possible that
the Board of Elections would not be able to provide election results before the
day the runoff is scheduled to be held or even determine whether or not a
runoff would be necessary.

“Changing the primary election to a date in June would
enable the Board of Elections to certify the election results in a timely
manner. This is a simple and sensible solution to this insurmountable
logistical problem,” said Assemblyman Dinowitz.

Because the petitioning process for a June primary would
commence in March Assemblyman Dinowitz further urged the Speaker to take up
this matter at the beginning of the legislative session when the Assembly
returns to Albany next month.

“It is essential that any change in the election calendar
be determined as soon as possible,” added Mr. Dinowitz.

City
Comptroller John C. Liu today announced the appointment of Maria
Tavares as Deputy Comptroller for Accountancy. Tavares,
who currently serves as Assistant Comptroller of Accountancy, will
assume her new responsibilities on January 1, 2013, succeeding Deputy
Comptroller Simcha Felder, who is assuming his newly elected position as
New York State Senator.

“Maria
has demonstrated herself to be exceedingly capable in ensuring the
soundness of the City’s financial reporting,” Comptroller Liu said.
“Though Simcha has big shoes to fill, I am excited that she is joining
my top leadership team as we continue to navigate through a tough time
for City finances.”

As
Deputy Comptroller, Tavares will oversee the operations of Comptroller
Liu’s Bureau of Accountancy, which is responsible for all aspects
of the City’s accounting and financial reporting. She will oversee the
City’s accounting operations throughout the year, as well as the
preparation of the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR), which
contains the City's official, audited financial statements.

She
will also oversee the design and management of the accounting aspects
of the City’s centralized accounting and budgeting system, the Financial
Management System, the accounting mechanism in which New York City pays
its bills and receives deposits.

Deputy Comptroller Tavares is a 15-year veteran of the Comptroller’s Office. She is a graduate of Syracuse University.

In
addition, Comptroller Liu announced that Deputy Comptroller of Public
Affairs Ari Hoffnung will assume oversight of the Comptroller’s Bureau
of Fiscal and Budget Studies. Hoffnung previously served as Assistant
Comptroller of Budget and will now oversee the publication of a wide
range of fiscal reports on New York City’s economy and budgetary
outlook.

Saturday, December 29, 2012

The third speed bump has been installed on Independence Avenue between West 237th Street and West 232nd Street, but will that make traffic any safer? One can see cars go up in the air and drop back down as in previous posts I told you that there is little or even sometimes can be no warning that the speed bump is ahead as the one warning sign at the site of the speed bump can be blocked by parked or standing buses or trucks. This third speed bump was placed in front of MS/HS 141 (RKA) and you will see in the photos below how it was installed. On the day afterward one could see not only cars, but a NYC ambulance become airborne and then drop back down to the street. I hope the person inside (as the emergency lights were on) did not hit their head on the top of the ambulance as it went over the speed bump. Then again one of the DOT workers may have said it best. "Once they go over the bump fast they will slow down".

Since
Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz sponsored the Riverdale Slow Zone, city
council candidate Cliff Stanton wants to take credit for the Slow
Zone, and city council candidate Andrew Cohen has put on his face
book page a photo of him raking the asphalt for one of the three new
speed bumps on Independence Ave. (nine in all in the seven block slow
zone), you now know who to blame when you have to repair you car. I
still can't understand why two speed bumps are being placed on
Palisade Ave. (no where near the schools), and not one is being
placed on the HHP service road one block from the schools where over
hundreds of children walk. Then again Assemblyman Dinowitz lives on
the HHP service road less than two blocks from the schools.

Left and Right - You can see the placement of the third speed bump on Independence Avenue. On the right you can see a tow truck that moved cars that were in the way without any warning to those who parked overnight.

Left - You can see a light pole that needs to be fixed so at night motorist can see the upcoming speed bump. Right - You can see just how high the speed bumps are.

Friday, December 28, 2012

STATE SENATOR RUBEN DIAZ
TO CELEBRATE “THREE KINGS DAY ”
FOR THE CHILDREN OF OUR COMMUNITY

On Saturday, January
5th, State Senator Rev. Rubén Díaz along with Bronx Borough
President Rubén Díaz Jr., Assemblyman Marcos Crespo, Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda,
The New York Hispanic Clergy Organization and other elected officials,
will come together to provide the children of our community a Three Kings
Day Celebration. The first 500 children between the ages of 1-
9 years old, will receive a toy and a book bag with school supplies.
“There will also be live music and entertainment for the children,” stated
Senator Díaz. This activity will take place:
At 12:00 pm Saturday, January 5th, 2013 in Public School #5
located at 564 Jackson Avenue (corner of 149th St.)

Children must be present
in order to receive a free toy and book bag with school supplies.

For more information, please
contact Senator Diaz office at 718-991-3161.

Thursday, December 27, 2012

New York Comptroller John C. Liu today released his office’s Claims
Report for Fiscal Year 2011, providing New Yorkers with a detailed look
at data for claims filed against the City, an analysis of recent
trends, and recommendations for containing costs.

For
FY 2011, the City paid out $550.35 million in personal-injury and
property-damage tort settlements and judgments, up 5 percent from the
$522 million paid out in FY 2010. Tort claims included police actions,
medical malpractice, motor-vehicle property-damage claims, and slips,
trips and falls on City property.

“Settlements
have once again topped a half-billion dollars, underscoring a need for
better risk management by City agencies to contain costs and save
taxpayers’ money, Comptroller Liu said. “My office continues to work
with agencies to lower litigation costs, streamline processes, and learn
from recent trends – while also dealing fairly with claimants seeking
redress.

A
growing concern is the surge in claims against the New York Police
Department, which had the highest claim costs of any agency. In FY 2011,
the City settled $185.6 million in claims involving the NYPD, a
35-percent jump from the $137.3 million settled in FY 2010.

“The
surge in police-misconduct allegations and civil-rights claims against
the NYPD is an alarm bell for the City. The trend can and must be
stemmed and reversed with better risk management including training,
clearer accountability, and the convening of a multi-disciplinary task
force, Comptroller Liu said.

The
top tort claim adjudicated in FY 2011 was $9.9 million, to a claimant
who alleged false arrest and incarceration for 19 years as a result of
the actions of a former police detective known as one of the notorious
“Mafia cops.

The report for the first time includes a breakdown of claims by precinct.

By
contrast, medical-malpractice claims against the Health and Hospitals
Corporation (HHC) have dropped steadily in recent years, from a high of
$195.4 million in FY 2003 to $130 million in FY2011, due to proactive
steps by the HHC. Total claims against HHC cost the $131.8 million in FY
2011.

Unlike
other City entities, the HHC is responsible for its own claim costs and
has invested in risk management and other initiatives that have much
reduced those costs. In light of HHC’s impressive results, the
Comptroller’s office recommends that the City make other agencies bear
some financial responsibility for their claim costs.

The
Comptroller’s office also stepped up its pursuit of affirmative claims
against individuals who damaged City property – bringing in a
record-high $1.5 million in FY 2011.

The
Claims Report has traditionally been issued every two years – the last
one covered FY 2009 and FY 2010. To better support efforts to control
claim costs, this new report was accelerated to analyze claim activity
for one year, FY 2011. Data for FY 2012 will be released next year.

Non-Tort Claims:

In
addition to tort claims, the City paid out $135.9 million in non-tort
claims in FY 2011, down from the $165.1 million it paid out in FY 2010.
These claims primarily comprise contract disputes between City agencies
and their contractors, as well as alternative dispute-resolution claims,
equitable claims, employment-related claims, Department of Education
tuition-reimbursement claims, and sidewalk-assessment claims.

Additional Findings:

·The
Comptroller’s office early settlement of claims is estimated to have
saved the City more than $20.6 million in FY 2011, by working closely
with other City agencies, streamlining processes, and using technology
to allow early investigation and negotiation of claims.

· Personal-injury
claims accounted for $535.12 million, or 97 percent of the $550.35
million paid for tort claims in FY 2011. The costliest category was
medical malpractice, at $130 million. The second-costliest was
civil-rights claims, at $84 million. The third-costliest was
motor-vehicle claims, at $83.9 million. The fourth-costliest was
police-action claims, at $59.6 million.

· Property-damage
claims cost the City $15.23 million in FY 2011, a 50 percent rise from
the $10.1 million paid in FY 2010. One claim, settled for $2.5 million,
alleged that the design of the City’s back-up generator system for the
Office of Emergency Management in 7 World Trade Center resulted in the
building’s collapse on 9/11.

Notes:

Data
may not include all claims against the City that will ultimately be
settled, due to a time lag between when a settlement occurs and when
settlements and updates are entered into the claims database. For the
purpose of this report, “settlement and judgment costs, “liabilities,
“expenditures, or “amounts paid are used interchangeably with
“recorded settlements and judgments.

Comptroller
Liu credited Deputy Comptroller for Legal Affairs and General Counsel
Valerie Budzik as well as Assistant Comptroller Karen S. Cohen and the
Bureau of Law and Adjustment for their efforts in compiling the report.

The
gallery is now transformed into studio space for a dozen artists who
work in various media but are all inspired by natural settings. That
translates into opportunities for visitors to work alongside the artists
in free workshops open to about a dozen participants each. With space
tight, we recommend registering early, though if there any openings the
day of a workshop, we will accommodate drop-ins.

SAT, SUN, JANUARY 12, 13 HIBERNATORS PAJAMA POP-IN

Put
on your PJs, pack up your teddy bear and head over to Wave Hill! Make
an animal mask at the Family Art Project and hear tales of hibernating
creatures. Musician Jon Samson shares songs about animals, winter and
sleepytime. Admission to the grounds is free all weekend, thanks to the
support of Target.

ECOLOGY BUILDING, 10AM‒1PM

SAT, JANUARY 12 FAMILY ART PROJECT—HIBERNATOR’S DEN

Hibernator’s Den/La cueva de los hibernadores

Get
to know your local hibernators through sleepy tales of the season. Then
make your own furry bear, bat, toad or hedgehog mask, or fashion a
dreamy, woodsy home. Free, and admission to the grounds is free all
weekend, thanks to the generous support of Target. Hibernators Weekend
event.

ECOLOGY BUILDING, 10AM‒1PM

SAT, JANUARY 12 WINTER WORKSPACE: WINTER BOTANICALS COME TO LIFE WITH ASUKA HISHIKI

Visitors
gain insight into Winter Workspace artist Asuka Hishiki’s creative
process and explore the winter landscape as a source of inspiration.
Using graphite and watercolor, she demonstrates botanical illustration
techniques. Participants will create their own drawings and paintings of
fallen leaves and twigs collected on Wave Hill’s grounds. Art materials
are provided unless otherwise noted. Workshops are open to all visitors
ages 12 and over when accompanied by an adult. Space is limited, so
registration is recommended, at www.wavehill.org, by calling 718.549.3200 x305
or at the Perkins Visitor Center. Free with admission to the grounds.
Drop-ins will be accommodated as space permits. This program also takes
place on January 15.

GLYNDOR GALLERY & ON THE GROUNDS, 1–4PM

SUN, JANUARY 13 WINTER BIRDING

Hudson
River valley hosts an impressive diversity of bird species, even during
the winter months. Explore Wave Hill’s tranquil gardens and woodlands
with naturalist Gabriel Willow to observe birds in their winter
habitats. Ages 10 and older welcome with an adult. Severe weather
cancels. For weather-related updates call 718.549.3200 x245
by 8AM the day of the walk. Free with admission to the grounds. (NYC
Audubon Members enjoy two-for-one admission.) Registration recommended.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 9:30AM

SUN, JANUARY 13 FAMILY ART PROJECT—HIBERNATOR’S DEN

Hibernator’s Den/La cueva de los hibernadores

Get
to know your local hibernators through sleepy tales of the season. Then
make your own furry bear, bat, toad or hedgehog mask, or fashion a
dreamy, woodsy home. Free, and admission to the grounds is free all
weekend, thanks to the generous support of Target. Hibernators Weekend
event.

ECOLOGY BUILDING, 10AM‒1PM

SUN, JANUARY 13 GARDEN AND CONSERVATORY HIGHLIGHTS WALK

Join us for an hour-long tour of seasonal garden highlights. Free with admission to the grounds.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 2PM

MON, JANUARY 14

Closed to the public.

TUE, JANUARY 15 WINTER WORKSPACE: WINTER BOTANICALS COME TO LIFE WITH ASUKA HISHIKI

Visitors
gain insight into Winter Workspace artist Asuka Hishiki’s creative
process and explore the winter landscape as a source of inspiration.
Using graphite and watercolor, she demonstrates botanical illustration
techniques. Participants will create their own drawings and paintings of
fallen leaves and twigs collected on Wave Hill’s grounds. Art materials
are provided unless otherwise noted. Workshops are open to all visitors
ages 12 and over when accompanied by an adult. Space is limited, so
registration is recommended, at www.wavehill.org, by calling 718.549.3200 x305 or at the Perkins Visitor Center. Free with admission to the grounds. Drop-ins will be accommodated as space permits.

GLYNDOR GALLERY & ON THE GROUNDS, 10AM–1PM

A
28-acre public garden and cultural center overlooking the Hudson River
and Palisades, Wave Hill’s mission is to celebrate the artistry and
legacy of its gardens and landscape, to preserve its magnificent views,
and to explore human connections to the natural world through programs
in horticulture, education and the arts.

HOURS Open all year, Tuesday through Sunday and many major holidays: 9AM—4:30PM. Closes 5:30PM, March 15—October 31.

ADMISSION $8 adults, $4 students and seniors 65+, $2 children 6—18. Free Saturday mornings until noon. Free all day Tuesdays in January. Free to Wave Hill Members and children under 6.

PROGRAM FEES Programs are free with admission to the grounds unless otherwise noted.

DIRECTIONS
– Getting here is easy! Located only 3o minutes from midtown Manhattan,
Wave Hill’s free shuttle van transports you to and from our front gate
and Metro-North’s Riverdale station, as well as the 242nd
Street stop on the #1 subway line. Limited onsite parking is available
for $8 per vehicle. Free offsite parking is available nearby with
continuous, complimentary shuttle service to and from the offsite lot
and our front gate. Complete directions and shuttle bus schedule at www.wavehill.org/visit/.

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

87th
A.D. Assemblyman-Elect LuisSepulveda will have his swearing in
ceremony and reception at St. Raymond's Auditorium located at 2380 Tremont Avenue
(Purdy Ave. entrance) on Saturday January 12th
2013 at 12 PM.

RSVP & for more information: LuisSepulveda2012@gmail.com or 347-560-7496

WHAT YOU SHOULD
KNOWBy Senator Rev. Rubén Díaz
32nd Senatorial District, Bronx County, New York

My Top Ten Wishes for
2013

You should know that every year,
many people wait for the coming of the New Year, celebrating with friends
and family and wishing for different things.

For example, thousands and thousands will make their way to Times Square
to wait for the ball to drop. Others will go to different fiestas to dance
the night away.

During the past 45 years, I have gone to church to ring in the New Year.
Before 12 midnight, we all go down on our knees and wait for the
New Year to arrive, making our wishes and resolutions for the next year.
After midnight, the traditional first meal of the year is shared
in the temple.

This year on December 31st, when I bend my knees in church and make my
New Year's resolutions, you should know that I will be making the following
political wishes for some people:

1. For Senator John Sampson, to find better and more faithful friends.

2. For reporters Bob Kappstatter, from the Bronx Times and Jim Odato from
the Times Union, to learn how to be impartial and objective journalists.

3. For Senator Jeff Klein and his Gang of Four, to find a parachute to
allow them to make their landing easy and soft when Senator Dean Skelos
and the Republicans - fearing the Conservative Party - reject their support
for a progressive agenda, leaving the Gang of Four out in the cold.

4. For Senator Malcolm Smith, to find another minority to join him in order
for him not to be the only Uncle Tom in the house.

5. For Assemblyman-Elect Luis Sepulveda, to take it a little bit easier
with a little more patience and wait for his time, because it will come.

6. For my three friends, Carl Kruger, Pedro Espada, and Hiram Monserrate,
to try to get together in 2013 while they are away and write a book instructing
Jeff Klein and the Gang of Four how to deal with Dean Skelos and what to
expect from him.

8. For Senator Adriano Espaillat, to get a big handkerchief to wipe
away his saliva because Charlie Rangel will be there for many years more
- and aside from that, Adam Clayton Powell is warming up in the bullpen.

9. For Governor Andrew Cuomo, to be honest enough to admit that he has
been the creator of the mess in the New York State Senate.

10. As for myself, should these nine other wishes come true, that I will
be able to take a break and keep my mouth shut.

This is Senator Reverend Rubén Díaz and this is what you should know. Merry
Christmas and Happy New Year to all!

Monday, December 24, 2012

As you have seen in a previous post two of the nine new speed bumps in the multi-block new "Riverdale Slow Zone" (pictured above, click on the photo to enlarge it.) have been placed on Independence Avenue between West 232nd and 235th Streets. In that post we took pictures of the huge speed bumps showing just how large they are. One photo was of the skid marks on one speed bump, as there is only one sign on the sidewalk where the speed bump starts. We also showed in one photo how that one sign can be blocked thus giving no warning that a speed bump is ahead.

Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz sponsored the application for the "Riverdale Slow Zone", and (in a recent political mailing) city council candidate Cliff Stanton is claiming his perseverance with the PS 24 PA were the reason for the awarding of the "Riverdale Slow Zone" by the Department of Transportation.

We went around to see other areas where speed bumps have been placed. There is a warning sign 25 feet before the speed bump in addition to a sign at the speed bump. There are also markings on the roadway warning of an impending speed bump, and at the start of the bump is another marking. So why did the DOT put only one warning sign at the start of a huge speed bump on a heavily traveled emergency route such as Independence Avenue? By the way we went around the corner on West 235th Street where a speed bump already exists, and that has several signs and road markings to warn of the upcoming speed bump as in the photos below.

Left - As you see in this photo the driver is made aware of upcoming speed bump with two separate warning signs and road markings.

Right - Again several signs and road markings warn drivers of the upcoming speed bump.

Left - Again you can see on this street that drivers are given advance warning of the upcoming speed bump.

Right - On this road warning signs are posted on both sides of the street in addition to street markings.

Saturday, December 22, 2012

Two new speed bumps were placed on Independence Avenue by PS 24 with a third to come by MS/HS 141. Traffic problems have increased over the past few years during the students arrival and dismissal times for both schools. Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz sponsored a Slow Zone application for the area as described in the previous post, and this is what you get as seen in the photos below the day after only two of the proposed speed bumps were placed. In all there will be nine new speed bumps on various area streets around PS 24 and MS/HS 141 in addition to the two existing speed bumps by PS 24 on the side streets. .

Left - traffic is now backed up past West 239th Street on Independence Avenue past the Riverdale Temple, and to West 246th Street. You can see cars turning from Independence Ave. to West 239th Street to avoid the traffic jam in other photos.

Right -The photo may be blurry but you can make out the police car with its emergency lights on trying to navigate the traffic.

Left - The police car in the previous photo winds up turning left at West 237th Street to get around the traffic jam.

Right - You can see that traffic stretches all the way down Independence Avenue to where the two new speed bumps have been placed.

Friday, December 21, 2012

This is what you now encounter as you drive down Independence Avenue past Seton Park which is on the right. Two newly installed speed bumps between West 232nd and West 235th Streets (with a third on the way nearby). The speed bumps are part of a "Slow Zone" that the New York City Department of Traffic has come up with to try to calm the traffic flow of a street by one or more schools that has become overused at certain times of the day, and due to a lack of police enforcement a pedestrian (or school child's) hazard due to speeding and haphazard drivers. In the photos below are the size of the speed bumps, the tire markings already on the first day from short stops, and quality of the work by DOT. You will see that overnight graffiti has appeared on a piece of equipment at the location of the next speed bump. You will also see the one and only small sign that denotes the speed bump which is placed right at the beginning of the speed bump without any other markings or warnings that a speed bump is ahead. Finally you will also see just how the speed bump sign can be and is blocked by one or more buses loading or unloading (or in the case in the photo parked bus).

If you want to comment to the people who brought you the slow zone with its NINE new additional speed bumps that will be placed on Palisade Avenue, Hudson Manor Terrace, Douglas Avenue, West 237th Street, West 239th Street, and Independence Avenue the application was submitted by Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz. City council candidate Cliff Stanton can also be thanked for the NINE new speed bumps having admitted that he was one of the speeders.

Left - DOT equipment waiting at the site of a new speed bump.
Right - overnight graffiti was placed on DOT equipment.

Left - Click on this photo to see the asphalt already separating in the center of this speed bump.

Right - Tire skid marks are visible not even after 24 hours since the speed bumps were installed.

Left - You can see how big the size of the speed bump is, as it spans front front wheels to rear wheels of this large truck.

Right - One small sign is in place right at the beginning of the speed bump that can be blocked as you will see in the next photos.

Left - A school bus loading or unloading can block most of the speed bump sign.
Right - Here a parked bus can completely block the speed bump sign leaving a motorist no warning of the speed bump ahead.

Thursday, December 20, 2012

The Menorah that had been lit on eight nights for the eight nughts of Chunakah was already taken down, but this year the Christmas tree that stands next to the Bell Tower on Riverdale Avenue at West 239th Street was not to be lit this year. The reason Hurricane Sandy and the lack of manpower and funds by the Parks Department. Enter Community Board 8 member and city council candidate Andrew Cohen, and as you will see in the photos below the tree was lit. Cohen said that he was only happy to do this for the community.

Community Board 8 member and candidate for city council Andrew Cohen stands next to Christmas tree by the Bell Tower on Riverdale Avenue that is now lit for Christmas.

Cohen is interviewed by Local News 12 and New York 1 cable television stations.

City
Comptroller John C. Liu today reported on the health of New York City’s
economy and put forth an ambitious plan to ensure that New York City’s
future benefits every
New Yorker, not just the well-connected few.

During his State of the City Address, Comptroller Liu called for raising the minimum wage from $7.25 to $11.50
per hour over the next five years in order to help the “working poor” climb out of poverty.

Liu
also outlined initiatives to sustain and rebuild the City’s middle
class, including lowering taxes and fines
on 90 percent of the City’s small businesses. In order to do so, Liu
called for an end to the corporate welfare being doled out annually by
the City’s Economic Development Corporation and the elimination of
outdated corporate tax loopholes, which cost the
City more than $500 million each year.

·Free CUNY tuition to the top 10 percent of every NYC public high-school,

·Using
City schools as community centers during non-school hours to offer
services like health clinics and financial literacy classes,

·Expanding
of the Nurse Family Partnership, a program that increases children’s
cognitive skills, producing higher reading and math scores,

·Expanding
the “Computers for Youth” program to every middle school at which at
least 75 percent of the students receive a free lunch, in order to
provide computers to
all low income families,

·Creating
“sister college” relationships that pair every high school with one of
the City’s many colleges and universities, so that college and graduate
students can mentor
our high-school students.

Liu also highlighted a number of his office’s successes over the past year; such as the role his office played
in the City’s recoupment of $466 million in cost overruns from
CityTime, the identification of fraudulent billing on the City’s
911 call center upgrade, emergency spending approvals for the response
and recovery related to
Superstorm Sandy, and the more than $1 billion saved as part of City bond
refinancings.

Liu noted that the Mayor and City Council adopted his Capital Acceleration plan to rebuild City infrastructure
and spur job growth, an idea he proposed in his last State of the City Address.

Comptroller
Liu also announced that, in the coming weeks, his office will launch
Checkbook 2.0, an upgrade to
the current online transparency tool, Checkbook NYC, making New York
City the most financially transparent government in the United States.

Just a reminder that our Hibernators Pajama Pop-In is coming up on January 12 and 13, a weekend when, thanks to Target, admission is free both days. Read more on the attached!

SATURDAY, JANUARY 5 FAMILY ART PROJECT—SUNRISE, SUNSET

Sunrise, Sunset/Amanecer y atardecer

Look
to the sky’s palette of colors, infused with shades of dusk or dawn,
then blend and blur paint and tissue-paper dyes against a silhouette of
forest, city skyline, river or bridge to create an inspirational scene.
Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon.

ECOLOGY BUILDING, 10AM‒1PM

SUNDAY, JANUARY 6 FAMILY ART PROJECT—SUNRISE, SUNSET

Sunrise, Sunset/Amanecer y atardecer

Look
to the sky’s palette of colors, infused with shades of dusk or dawn,
then blend and blur paint and tissue-paper dyes against a silhouette of
forest, city skyline, river or bridge to create an inspirational scene.
Free with admission to the grounds.

ECOLOGY BUILDING, 10AM‒1PM

SUN, JANUARY 6 GARDEN AND CONSERVATORY HIGHLIGHTS WALK

Join us for an hour-long tour of seasonal garden highlights. Free with admission to the grounds.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 2PM

MON, JANUARY 7

Closed to the public.

THU, JANUARY 10 NATURE PHOTOGRAPHY: TREES IN WINTER

Session 1

In
this three-session workshop, photographer Benjamin Swett brings into
focus Wave Hill's extraordinary collection of trees to explore the
pleasures and challenges of photographing trees in the season when they
most reveal themselves. Covering technical questions of tree
photography, from tree identification to color calibration and parallax,
the workshop aims to help participants understand what makes a good
photograph and how to achieve their goals as photographers. Each day
combines outdoor photography in the woods and gardens of Wave Hill,
examines the work of professional and fine art photographers and reviews
of student work. All levels welcomed. Series fee: $90 Member/$105
Non-member. Registration required, at www.wavehill.org, by calling 718.549.3200 x305 or at the Perkins Visitor Center. Continues January 17 and 24.

ECOLOGY BUILDING, 1−4PM

A
28-acre public garden and cultural center overlooking the Hudson River
and Palisades, Wave Hill’s mission is to celebrate the artistry and
legacy of its gardens and landscape, to preserve its magnificent views,
and to explore human connections to the natural world through programs
in horticulture, education and the arts.

HOURS Open all year, Tuesday through Sunday and many major holidays: 9AM—4:30PM. Closes 5:30PM, March 15—October 31.

ADMISSION $8 adults, $4 students and seniors 65+, $2 children 6—18. Free Saturday mornings until noon. Free all day Tuesdays in January. Free to Wave Hill Members and children under 6.

PROGRAM FEES Program s are free with admission to the grounds unless otherwise noted.

DIRECTIONS
– Getting here is easy! Located only 3o minutes from midtown Manhattan,
Wave Hill’s free shuttle van transports you to and from our front gate
and Metro-North’s Riverdale station, as well as the 242nd
Street stop on the #1 subway line. Limited onsite parking is available
for $8 per vehicle. Free offsite parking is available nearby with
continuous, complimentary shuttle service to and from the offsite lot
and our front gate. Complete directions and shuttle bus schedule at www.wavehill.org/visit/.

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

City Comptroller John C. Liu stated the following today about the latest MTA fare hikes:

“The
MTA fare hikes are unfortunate because they fall disproportionately on
low-income New Yorkers, and they hurt even worse because so many
are still reeling from the economic effects of the recent recession and
Superstorm Sandy. New Yorkers already pay a disproportionately high
price for mass transit. The MTA needs to look for more support from the
City, state, and federal governments and not
try to balance its books on the backs of straphangers.”

Bronx
Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. praised today’s announcement of new
economic development funding for the Bronx, provided through Governor
Andrew Cuomo’s Regional Economic Development Councils.

Specifically,
the council announced today $400,000 in new funding for the Oak Point
Property to construct a warehouse, distribution and food processing
facility. The project will feature locally grown and organic
produce/farm products from New York State growers, a rooftop farm run by
Gotham Greens, and a training facility.

“When
it comes to feeding our region the Bronx is leading the way and today’s
announcement shows just how important the food industry is to the
economy of not just our borough, but the entire City and State. This
project will not only create new jobs, it will help solidify the Bronx
as the hub for this major industry, and I thank Governor Cuomo and the
Regional Economic Development Councils for their continued faith in the
future of the Bronx. I look forward to continuing to work with the City
and the State to foster positive economic development in the Bronx,”
said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

"This
new facility will continue to expand our access to and delivery of
fresh food and other items in a green and sustainable manner,” said
Marlene Cintron, President of the Bronx Overall Economic Development
Corporation.

Gotham
Greens is a New York City based company dedicated to growing the
highest quality vegetables and culinary herbs for local restaurants and
retailers. Gotham Greens’ premium quality, pesticide-free vegetables and
herbs are grown in sterile rooftop greenhouses using clean, renewable
energy. For more information on the company, visit gothamgreens.com.

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Before Making Final Decision to Close Eight Schools Slated for Closure in the BronxState Senator Gustavo Rivera will join
parents of Our Lady of Mercy on Wednesday, December 19, 2012 at 2:00PM
to call on the Archdiocese to give Our Lady of Mercy and other local
Catholic schools that have been slated for closure until the end of the
school year to give individual schools and communities time to come up
with a plan to save the school. Between now and the end of the school
year, the parents, alumni and community around Our Lady of Mercy wants
the time to develop a fundraising plan and a way to both restructure the
school and make it financial viable for the future.

WHO:Senator Gustavo Rivera and parents of Our Lady of Mercy

WHAT: Rally to Call on Archdiocese to give schools more time to come up with a plan

WHERE: Our Lady of Mercy - 2510 Marion Ave. Bronx, NY

WHEN: Wednesday, December 19, 2012 at 2:00PM

Schools Slated for Closure in the Bronx:Our Lady of MercyOur Lady of AngelsHoly SpiritSt. JeromeBlessed SacramentSt. Anthony St. MarySt. Mary Star of the Sea

WHAT YOU SHOULD
KNOWBy Senator Rev. Rubén Díaz
32nd Senatorial District, Bronx County, New York

You should know that it was a perfect coup, well planned, well organized,
and nicely orchestrated. Those behind it should be congratulated.
They even convinced some Senators to change their minds at the last
minute, even those who had already committed and had given their assurance
to Senator John Sampson of their "loyalty." Shame on them!

You should also know that the main reason Senator Jeff Klein left our Conference
was Senator Mike Gianaris. After working hard for the Conference,
raising millions of dollars, and putting himself aside so former Senator
Pedro Espada would be designated Deputy Minority Leader – Jeff Klein
got the cold shoulder from the conference leader. Later on, Senator Sampson
also demoted Jeff Klein and gave Mike Gianaris the most prestigious position
in the Conference as the head of the Democratic State Campaign Committee,
humiliating Jeff Klein and his followers. Mike Gianaris showed his
appreciation by joining the coordinated team to drop Senator Sampson.

It is important for you to also know that during the past Democratic Primary,
Senator Sampson went out of his way to support Senator Martin Malavé Dilan's
son against the incumbent Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez. Sampson
not only gave Dilan’s son his support, but also contributed money and
troops, making Congresswoman Velazquez a very angry political enemy. Senator
John Sampson went to yesterday’s meeting counting on Senator Dilan’s
support. My dear reader, you should have seen the expression on Senator
Sampson’s face when he saw Senator Martin Malavé Dilan raising his hand
to support Senator Andrea Stewart Cousins, and not for him. There
is a saying in Puerto Rico: “La vida te da sorpresas.” Life is full of
surprises.

Now, Senator John Sampson does not stand with Senator Klein, not with Senator
Gianaris, not with Senator Dilan, with no Conference Leadership position,
and with many powerful enemies like Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez. This
is really a no hit, no run, and a lot of errors.

I would also like to offer my two cents of advice to our new Conference
Leader Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins.

First, you should get rid of Senator Ruth Hassell-Thompson as Chairperson
of the Conference. Senator Hassell-Thompson’s heavy-handedness,
her rudeness, and her lack of respect for her colleagues while leading
the Conference was one of Senator Sampson’s biggest mistake. By sitting
idle and letting Senator Hassell-Thompson do as she pleased, he angered
many who little by little, started to show their frustration and began
to organize against Senator Sampson.

My second piece of advice to our newly-elected Leader: Always remember
that you have six Hispanic Senators, and excluding me, one or two of the
other five should be appointed to Leadership positions.

Thirdly, always give respect and consideration to Members in leadership
positions. It is important not only to give them a title, but it
is equally important to be sure that they are part of the decision-making
process. Don't ignore them when you meet to discuss the Budget and
resources.

Finally, as soon as you got elected as our new Leader, I was surprised
and shocked to read an article in the Times Union quoting Senators
who stated their feelings about your election and among them, there was
a quote by me. Even though it was a nice quote, and even though I join
the people of the State of New York in celebrating the history-making process
of having the first Black woman to lead the Senate Conference, my dear
Leader, no one asked me for a quote. I did not give them a quote, and if
I were asked I would not have given a quote. The reason? I was among
the only six Senators to vote for Senator John Sampson. In other
words, I am part of the losing team and as such, I should not be taking
credit for something that I didn’t do. Always be sure that your
press office checks with someone they intend to quote before releasing
any statement.